| Apoptotic bodies |
50–5000 nm |
Broad plasma membrane blobbing and breach of cell fragments |
Heterogeneous group of vesicles; contains surface markers for the recognition by phagocytic cells markers: Annexin-V |
Fragmented nuclei as well as cytoplasmic organelles, histone, DNA fragments |
Activated as response to a cellular stress or injury |
5, 22, 23, 30 |
| Microvesicles |
50–1000 nm |
Bud directly from the plasma membrane through unique cellular mechanisms |
No characteristic markers; lack of transferrin receptors; secreted during normal cellular processes |
Cellular proteins, lipids and RNA, including miRNAs |
Intercellular communication; transfer of proteins and genetic material |
5, 22, 23, 30 |
| Exosomes |
30–100 nm |
Originate from the endosomal network named multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and released upon MVB fusion with the plasma membrane |
More homogenous in size than other vesicles; highly enriched in transferrin receptors; secreted during normal cellular processes; markers: CD9, CD63, Alix, flotillin-1 and Tsg101 |
Cellular proteins, lipids and RNA, including miRNAs |
Intercellular communication; transfer of proteins and genetic material |
5, 22, 30 |
